U.S. patent application number 09/877828 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for methods and apparatus for image transfer to non-planar surfaces.
Invention is credited to Martinez, Raul.
Application Number | 20020186264 09/877828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25370811 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020186264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martinez, Raul |
December 12, 2002 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGE TRANSFER TO NON-PLANAR SURFACES
Abstract
A method and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on
non-planar surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of
three-dimensional articles, such as baseball bats, formed from a
number of different types of materials. In the preferred method of
the invention, the non-planar surfaces of the three-dimensional
articles are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image
transfer technique. The apparatus of the invention includes a
modified ink jet printer coupled with a novel article positioning
apparatus which functions to controllably rotate the article to be
imprinted and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the article
within a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the
plane within which the ink jet nozzles of the ink jet printer
travel.
Inventors: |
Martinez, Raul; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES E. BRUNTON
Attorney at Law
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Matters
P.O. Box 29000
Glendale
CA
91209-9000
US
|
Family ID: |
25370811 |
Appl. No.: |
09/877828 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
347/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 3/00 20130101; Y10T
82/2572 20150115; Y10T 409/305656 20150115; B41J 3/4073
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
347/2 |
International
Class: |
B41J 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. In combination with a modified microprocessor-based printer that
produces copies of computer data based on printing instructions
received from a host computer, said printer being of a character
having a carriage which carries at least one ink jet cartridge for
movement along the length of the print zone of the printer within a
first plane and means for controlling firing of the nozzle of the
ink jet cartridge, the improvement comprising positioning means for
holding within the printer a three-dimensional article having a
first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis and a curved surface
upon which the computer data is to be imprinted, said positioning
means functioning to controllably position the three-dimensional
article within the printer in a manner such that the longitudinal
axis of the article is at all times during the printing operation
maintained within a second plane that is parallel to and
spaced-apart from the first plane, said positioning means
comprising an article positioning assembly mounted within the
modified microprocessor based printer, said article positioning
assembly comprising: (a) a first end portion including first
gripping means for gripping the first end of the three-dimensional
article and rotating means for controllably rotating the
three-dimensional article relative to the ink jet cartridge; and
(b) a second end portion including second gripping means for
gripping the second end of the three-dimensional article and
adjustment means for adjusting the distance between said first and
second gripping means.
2. The combination as defined in claim 1 in which said positioning
means further includes a guide member connected to the modified
printer and in which said second end portion includes a carriage
slidably movable along said guide member and a support arm
connected to said carriage, said second gripping means being
connected to said support arm.
3. The combination as defined in claim 1 in which said first
gripping means includes a first generally cup shaped member and in
which said rotating means comprises a drive wheel in engagement
with said generally cup shaped member for imparting rotation
thereto at a first rate.
4. The combination as defined in claim 1 in which said article
positioning assembly further comprises height adjustment means for
adjusting the position of said second gripping means relative to
the first plane.
5. The combination as defined in claim 1 in which said article
positioning assembly further comprises second height adjustment
means for adjusting the position of said first gripping means
relative to the first plane.
6. The combination as defined in claim 1 in which said first
gripping means comprises a holding cup having a peripheral portion
and an article gripping surface for gripping the first end of the
three dimensional article and in which said article rotating means
comprises: (a) an idler wheel rotatably carried by said first end
portion of the article positioning assembly, said idler wheel being
in engagement with said peripheral portion of said holding cup; (b)
a drive wheel rotatably carried by to said first end portion of the
article positioning assembly, said drive wheel being in driving
engagement with said idler wheel; and (c) motor means for rotating
said drive wheel.
7. The combination as defined in claim 6 in which said article
rotating means further includes an idler wheel support carriage
that is movable between a first position proximate said first
holding cup and a second, retracted position spaced from said first
holding cup, said idler wheel being rotatably mounted on said idler
wheel support carriage.
8. The combination as defined in claim 7 in which said holding cup
is removably connected to said first end portion.
9. The combination as defined in claim 7 further including biasing
means carried by the first end portion and operably associated with
said idler support carriage for yieldably urging said idler support
carriage toward said first position.
10. In combination with a modified microprocessor-based printer
that produces copies of computer data based on printing
instructions received from a host computer, said printer being of a
character having a carriage which carries at least one ink jet
cartridge for movement along the length of the print zone of the
printer within a first plane and means for controlling firing of
the nozzle of the ink jet cartridge, the improvement comprising
positioning means for holding within the printer a
three-dimensional article having a first end, a second end, a
longitudinal axis and a curved surface upon which the computer data
is to be imprinted, said positioning means functioning to
controllably position the three-dimensional article within the
printer in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the article
is at all times during the printing operation maintained within a
second plane that is parallel to and spaced-apart from the first
plane, said positioning means comprising an article positioning
assembly mounted within the modified microprocessor based printer,
said article positioning assembly comprising: (a) a first end
portion including: (i) first gripping means for gripping the first
end of the three-dimensional article, said gripping means
comprising a first holding cup removably connected to said first
end portion, said first holding cup having a peripheral portion and
an article gripping portion; and (ii) rotating means for
controllably rotating the three-dimensional article relative to the
ink jet cartridge, said rotating means comprising an idler wheel
rotatably carried by said first end portion for engagement with
said peripheral portion of said first holding cup and a drive wheel
rotatably carried by said first end portion for rotating said idler
wheel; and (b) a second end portion, including second gripping
means for gripping the second end of the three-dimensional article,
said second gripping means comprising a second holding cup and
adjustment means for adjusting the distance between said first and
second gripping means.
11. The combination as defined in claim 10 in which said
positioning means further includes a guide member connected to the
modified printer and in which said second end portion includes a
carriage slidably movable along said guide member and a support arm
connected to said carriage, said second gripping means being
connected to said support arm.
12. The combination as defined in claim 10 in which said article
positioning assembly further comprises height adjustment means for
adjusting the position of said second gripping means relative to
the first plane.
13. The combination as defined in claim 10 in which said article
positioning assembly further comprises second height adjustment
means for adjusting the position of said first gripping means
relative to the first plane.
14. The combination as defined in claim 10 in which said article
rotating means further comprises: (a) an idler wheel support
carriage that is movable between a first position proximate said
first holding cup and a second retracted position spaced from said
first holding cup, said idler wheel being rotatably mounted on said
idler wheel support carriage; and (b) biasing means for yieldable
urging said idler wheel support carriage toward said first
position.
15. A method for imprinting an image on a portion of the surface of
a baseball bat by using a modified microprocessor-based printer
that includes control circuitry that functions to cause the printer
to produce a copy of computer data based on printing instructions
received from a host computer, the printer being of a character
having a carriage which carries at least one ink jet cartridge
having a nozzle for movement along the length of the print zone of
the printer within a first plane and means for controlling the
firing of the nozzle of the ink jet cartridge, the modified
microprocessor based printer comprising an article positioning
assembly for holding the bat within the printer in a manner such
that the longitudinal axis of the baseball bat is at all times
during the printing operation maintained within a second plane that
is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane, said method
comprising the steps of: (a) analyzing the baseball bat to
determine the configuration of the portion of the surface of the
baseball bat that is to be imprinted; (b) positioning the baseball
bat within the article positioning assembly; (c) rotating the
baseball bat about its longitudinal axis of the base; (d) producing
a non-distorted image; (e) distorting said non-distorted image in a
manner to produce a distorted image that corresponds with the
surface of the baseball bat that is to be imprinted; (f) using the
host computer, transmitting the printer instructions to the printer
instructing the printer to fire the nozzle of the ink jet cartridge
in a manner to print said distorted image on the rotating baseball
bat.
16. The method as defined in claim 15 in which the modified printer
carries a plurality of ink jet cartridges each having a nozzle and
in which the printer is instructed by the host computer to fire the
nozzles of the plurality of ink jet cartridges to produce the
distorted image on the rotating baseball bat.
17. The method as defined in claim 15 in which the non-distorted
image is bounded by a generally rectangular shape and in which the
distorted image is bounded by a generally trapezoidal shape.
18. The method as defined in claim 17 in which the image depicts a
human figure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to methods and
apparatus for imprinting images on the surfaces of
three-dimensional objects. More particularly, the invention
concerns a novel, improved method and apparatus for non-contact,
high-quality, distortion-free printing of images on non-planar
surfaces of three-dimensional objects using ink jet printing
technology.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] Various types of image transfer techniques have been
suggested in the past for imprinting images on a number of
different material surfaces including cloth, wood, metal and
ceramics. A very common technique, which has been widely used, is
silk screening. However, such a technique is generally limited to
printing on smooth, flat surfaces. Further, such technique produces
a relatively low quality prints when compared to that produced by
lithography, gravure, letterpress sublimation and laser
printing.
[0005] When the image is to be transferred to a metal surface,
prior art sublimation techniques are frequently used. For example,
Blake et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,342 issued Dec. 16, 1969 and
Fromson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,821 issued May 6, 1980 both
suggest decorating unsealed and coated anodized aluminum using
sublimation techniques. However, Sublimation processes also have
substantial drawbacks, particularly when the surface of the object,
which is printed, is non-planar. Transferring an image or graphic
to a sphere or curved, cylindrically tapered surface by means of
sublimation, is extremely difficult and such an approach, if
achievable at all, would typically result in a poor quality, highly
distorted image.
[0006] When printing on non-planar surfaces is required, several
techniques have been suggested. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,741,288 issued to Stirbis et al discloses an apparatus for
decorating a cylindrical can. The Stirbis et al apparatus makes use
of a multiple station ink supply and a transfer apparatus for
transferring ink from an ink fountain to a rotatable inking blanket
wheel through a plate cylinder. The apparatus includes an ink image
registration adjustment apparatus and an axial and circumferential
tightness control apparatus operatively associated with each plate
cylinder and each ink supply and transfer apparatus. In addition to
techniques involving the use of rotatable inking wheels such as
described in Stirbis et al, other techniques, which have been
suggested for imprinting images on non-planar surfaces, include
electrophotographic imaging and magnetic imaging. As a general
rule, these techniques have met with limited commercial
success.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,641 issued to Carlson discloses a method
and apparatus for imprinting images on non-planar surfaces,
including the surfaces of various types of three-dimensional
articles, such as baseball bats. The apparatus includes a modified
ink jet plotter coupled with an article positioning apparatus which
functions to automatically maintain the surface of the article to
be printed within a plane substantially parallel to and slightly
spaced apart from the place within which the ink jet nozzles of the
ink jet plotter reside.
[0008] Another prior art technique, which is frequently used to
decorate surfaces, such as anodized aluminum surfaces, involves the
use of transfer films. These films typically overlay the metal
surface and undesirably, are subject to film deterioration and
unattractive abrasion. A very popular prior art printing technique,
which has found wide acceptance in recent years, is ink jet
printing. Within perhaps the last five years this technology has
become the dominant technology for printing color images and
graphics in the office and home markets. Ink jet printing basically
involves a process whereby ink particles are projected in a
continuous stream toward the surface to be imprinted using
appropriate computer control to create text and graphics on the
printing substrate. A number of different types of ink jet
printers/plotters are readily commercially available from sources
such as Calcomp, Packard Bell, NEC Technologies and Mutoh America,
Inc.
[0009] As will be better understood from the discussion which
follows, the method and apparatus of the present invention
overcomes most of the problems encountered in prior art attempts to
print detailed images on non-planar surfaces by employing a
uniquely modified prior art ink jet image transfer technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for imprinting high quality images on non-planar
surfaces, including the surfaces of various types of
three-dimensional articles formed from a number of different types
of materials.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and
apparatus of the aforementioned character in which the non-planar
surfaces are printed using a uniquely modified ink jet image
transfer technique.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a method as
described in the preceding paragraphs in which the image is printed
on the surface of the article using a plurality of ink jet
cartridges, the nozzles of which never touch the surface of the
article, which is being printed.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
of the character described in the immediately preceding paragraph
which includes a novel article positioning apparatus which
functions to controllably rotate the article to be printed and to
automatically maintain the longitudinal axis of the article within
a plane substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the plane
within which the ink jet nozzles reside.
[0014] A specific object of the invention is to provide a method
and apparatus for imprinting detailed color images on the tapered
cylindrical surface such as that found on the barrel and
intermediate surfaces of a baseball bat.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
of the class described in which the article positioning portion of
the apparatus is operably coupled with a conventional type of
commercially available ink jet plotter.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
for imprinting high quality images on non-planar surfaces that is
simple to use, is reliable in operation and requires minimum
maintenance.
[0017] By way of brief summary, a major advantage of the method and
apparatus of the present invention is the ability to produce
high-quality, multi-colored prints on non-planar surfaces of the
character not readily adapted to pass through printing machinery,
including surfaces found on a number of differently configured,
three-dimensional articles such as baseball bats and the like. In
this regard, a particular advantage of the apparatus of the present
invention is its ability to print high quality images on curved
wood and metal surfaces without the dispensing nozzles of the ink
jet cartridges of the apparatus coming into physical contact with
the surface to be printed.
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the article holding and
positioning apparatus of the invention is coupled with a
conventional, microprocessor based digital plotter of the character
having a plurality of ink jet cartridges which travel
longitudinally of the print zone of the plotter. Typically, three
ink jet cartridges contain ink of the three primary colors, namely
red, yellow and blue. While a fourth cartridge contains black ink.
This allows the computer program developed and stored in the
computer memory to cause the application of a multiplicity of
individual ink dots of various colors to the work surface so that,
when combined by the human eye, appear as photo quality images. In
operation of the apparatus of the invention, the article to be
imprinted is typically rotated relative to the ink jet cartridges
and the surface to be imprinted with the longitudinal axis of the
article continuously maintained in a plane which is parallel to and
spaced apart from the plane within which the ink jet nozzles
reside.
[0019] In one form of the method of the invention a computer is
used to communicate to the printing apparatus information
containing the predetermined pattern to be printed which has either
been previously scanned or originally generated using specialized
software. The pattern information is typically stored in the
computer memory and then sent via cable to the printing apparatus
which preferably comprises a conventional printer having four color
ink jet print heads capable of dispensing pigmented inks or dyes
comprised of either a solvent or water base material. A printed
circuit board operably associated with the cable controllably fires
the nozzles of the print heads to spray microdots of ink onto the
surface to be printed in the predetermined pattern.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the microdots
have a diameter of approximately 0.0500-mm (0.002 inches) thereby
enabling intricate images to be imprinted on the surface. Upon
contact with the surface, the ink solidifies and leaves a digitally
generated or scanned image or graphic on the surface without the
ink jet nozzles ever coming into physical contact with the
surface.
[0021] Images to be applied to irregular, non-linear surfaces as
occur with changing diameters that are rotating at a constant
angular rate can be printed to result in linear appearance by
computer programming. The subject apparatus can also achieve the
linear appearance by producing graphics that compensate
dimensionally for the changing diameters and then, by scanning the
graphic artwork, computer data can be recorded and stored for use
on the subject equipment when desired.
[0022] Computer stored images can be edited on the computer monitor
screen to eliminate images, add images or erase spaces for
insertion of images. Such images can be nomenclature; video camera
generated photo quality images (people, objects, animals, etc.).
Changes can be accomplished expeditiously just prior to
printing.
[0023] Using the techniques described in the preceding paragraphs,
high quality images can quickly and easily be imprinted on a
variety of different types of materials and upon the non-planar
surfaces of a number of types of irregularly configured
three-dimensional articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of a
modified, commercially available plotter that forms a part of the
apparatus of the invention for imprinting a predetermined pattern
on a surface of a three-dimensional article such as a baseball
bats.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, generally perspective view of the
right hand portion of the modified commercially available plotter
shown FIG. 1.
[0026] FIGS. 3 and 3A in combination comprise a front view of the
apparatus of the invention shown in FIG. 1 following the connection
to the apparatus of the novel three-dimensional article positioning
subassembly the apparatus.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of the right hand
portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of the
left hand portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 showing the
manner in which the handle portion of the baseball bat is mounted
within the article positioning subassembly.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 6A when considered together comprise a view
taken along line 6-6 of FIGS. 3 and 3A.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of
FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of
FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines
9-9 FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along
lines 10-10 of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along
lines 11-11 of FIG. 3A.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of
FIG. 11.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a generally diagrammatic view of an undistorted
image or pattern that will be appropriately distorted for
imprinting on an article such as a baseball bat in accordance with
the method of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a generally diagrammatic view of the image shown
in FIG. 13 that has been suitably distorted to enable it to be
imprinted on a portion of the surface of a particular size of
baseball bat.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 3 and
3A, one form of the apparatus of the invention for imprinting a
predetermined image or pattern on a three-dimensional article is
there illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 14. The
apparatus of this form of the invention is made up of two main
components, one being a modified, commercially available type of
microprocessor based, ink jet printer 16 FIGS. 1 and 2) and the
other comprising positioning means for holding, positioning, and
rotating the article to be imprinted within the printer at a
location proximate the color ink jet print heads 18 of the modified
printer 16 (FIG. 3). The primary modification made to the
commercial printer involves the removal of the drive roller
assemblies and their related drive mechanisms from the lower
portion of the printer housing. Once this is an accomplished the
lower portion of the printer housing is open and has the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings.
[0039] While various commercially available ink jet printers and
plotters can be used in combination with the positioning means of
the invention, large-format and desktop printers manufactured and
sold by The Hewlett-Packard Company as Designjet, Models
1050C/1055CM, 1120C amd 1220C have proven satisfactory. The
Designjet printer is a microprocessor-based digital printer that
receives plotting instructions from an associated host computer 20
(FIG. 1). It is also to be understood that either a printer or a
plotter apparatus could be specifically designed for a given
application and could be used with positioning means of the
character presently to be described in performing the method of the
invention. Such an apparatus would preferably incorporate a
reciprocally movable cartridge assembly that could imprint images
on a stationary object.
[0040] As best seen in FIG. 1, modified printer 16 comprises a
console-type housing 22 having a base 24, a covering 26
superimposed over base 24 and a control panel 28 which houses the
control circuitry of the printer. Computer 20 functions to
communicate to the control circuitry of the printer the
predetermined image or graphic that is to be imprinted on the
three-dimensional article. The image or graphic can be scanned or
can be originally generated in the computer environment with
specialized software. Typically, the computer image or graphic is
stored on a hard drive and sent via a cable 28 to the control
circuitry of the printer 16. Techniques for scanning or originally
generating the image or indicia or be imprinted on the
three-dimensional article are well known to those skilled in the
art.
[0041] Data transfer is controlled by the computer 20, which
generates and transmits to the control circuitry of the printer the
necessary timing signals to properly sequence the processing of
data and instructions to the printer. The printer memory typically
contains the operating system to control printer operation using
the control panel. The ink jet print heads 18, which upon command,
travel longitudinally of the print zone of the printer along the
print head carriage 19, are preferably of very high resolution,
such as the Designjet ink jet printers sold by Hewlett-Packard.
Examples of the design and operation of other prior art print
heads, reservoirs and printers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,593,292; 4,459,601; 4,523,200; 4,580,147; and 4,646,106. Because
of the pertinency of the aforementioned patents, each of the
patents is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set
forth herein.
[0042] The ink, which is dispensed by the ink jet print heads, can
be either solvent or waterbased and is carried by the cartridges in
a manner generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,646,106 and
4,592,292. The carriage of the printers typically contains a
printed circuit board, which controls the firing of the nozzles in
the ink jet print heads. In the apparatus of the present invention,
the motor is also controlled from the main printed circuit assembly
by the microprocessor 18 via the control circuitry housed within
control panel 26. Details concerning the construction and theory of
operation of the Designjet Models 1050C/1055CM, 1120C and 1220C
printers and details of the control circuitry thereof are readily
obtainable from The Hewlett-Packard Company of San Diego,
Calif.
[0043] Considering now the important article positioning means of
the invention that is mounted within the modified printer housing
22, this means here comprises an article positioning assembly,
generally designated by the numeral 30, that is mounted within the
lower portion of the modified printer housing using appropriate
connecting hardware 31 (FIGS. 6 and 6A). In the form of the
invention illustrated in the drawings, the article positioning
assembly has a first end portion 32 and a longitudinally spaced,
second, or left end portion 34 (FIGS. 3 and 3A). As shown in FIG.
3A, first end portion 32 includes first gripping means for gripping
the first end of the three-dimensional article to be imprinted and
rotating means for controllably rotating the three-dimensional
article relative to the ink jet cartridges 18. The second end
portion 34, as shown in FIG. 3, includes second gripping means for
gripping the second end of the three-dimensional article to be
imprinted and length adjustment means for adjusting the distance
between first and second gripping means. Second end portion 34 also
includes height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the
second gripping means.
[0044] The positioning means of the present form of the invention
further comprises a guide member 36 that extends longitudinally of
the modified printer housing and also comprises a carriage 40 that
is slidably movable along guide member 36. A support arm 42a of a
support arm assembly 42 is connected to carriage 40 by an angle
bracket 42b (FIG. 5) and the second gripping means of the apparatus
is connected to the support arm in the manner as seen in FIGS. 3, 5
and 6.
[0045] As previously mentioned, minimum modification of the
commercially available Designjet printer is required to enable it
to accept the article positioning means of the invention.
Basically, all that is required is to remove the media drive
mechanisms, which manipulate the media, such as planar sheets of
material which are to be imprinted and to add connectors to the
spaced apart printer end walls 22a and 22b to permit connection of
the article positioning means thereto (FIG. 1).
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4 the first gripping means of the
apparatus includes a first generally cup shaped member 44 having a
peripheral surface 44a. The rotating means of the apparatus for
rotating the article to be imprinted here comprises an idler wheel
46 that is disposed in engagement with peripheral surface 44a of
cup shaped member 44 for imparting rotation thereto upon rotation
of a drive wheel 48. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the toothed
portion 50 of the drive wheel 48 is connected to a rack 52 housing
teeth 52a. Rack 52 is mounted on a shaft 52, which is rotated by
motor means here provided as a conventional electric motor 54.
[0047] An important feature of the apparatus of the invention
resides in fact that idler wheel 46 is adjustable relative to both
wheel 48 and cup 44 so that cups of various sizes can be
substituted for cup 44 in order to accept bats having either larger
or smaller barrels. More particularly, as best seen in FIG. 11,
idler wheel 46 is mounted for rotation on an idler wheel support
carriage 54 that is reciprocally movable from a first position
shown in FIG. 11 to a second retracted position wherein carriage 54
moves to the right has viewed in FIG. 11. Biasing means, shown here
as a coil spring 56, functions to urge carriage 54 into engagement
with cup 44 and wheel 48, that is to the left as viewed in 11. It
is apparent that by pulling on gripping portion 54a (FIG. 4), idler
wheel 46 can be moved to the right as viewed in FIG. 11. This
permits cup 44 to be removed from the bearing 56 that supports it
(FIG. 12) so that it can be replaced by an alternate, larger for
smaller cup. However, regardless of the size of the holding cup,
idler wheel 46 will be continuously urged into pressural engagement
with drive wheel 48 and with the cup that is holding the bat that
is to the imprinted. As shown in FIG. 12, stub shaft 58 is affixed
to an extends from cup 44 for insertion into bearing 56. Bearing 56
is located so that the article to be imprinted, in this case a
baseball bat B, is rotated about the longitudinal axis 59 of the
bat, that resides within a first plane, that is parallel with a
second, spaced-apart plane within which the ink jet cartridges
travel.
[0048] As illustrated in figured 3 and 3A, baseball bat "B"
includes a handle portion "H", a cylindrically shaped barrel
portion "C", and a tapered intermediate portion "T" which is
located between handle portion "H" and cylindrically shaped barrel
portion "C". When this type of three-dimensional article is to be
imprinted, a generally cup shaped member 60, which comprises a part
of the second gripping means is adapted to support handle portion
"H" of the three-dimensional article in the manner shown in FIG. 3.
Similarly, the previously identified generally cup shaped member 44
of the first gripping means is adapted to support the end of the
barrel shaped portion "C" of the baseball bat. As previously
described, when the barrel shaped portion "C" of the baseball bat
to be imprinted is either larger or smaller in diameter from that
shown in the drawings, cup shaped member 44 can be removed and a
larger or smaller cup shaped member can be substituted therefor.
Accordingly, bats having barrel portion of various diameters can
readily be accommodated by replacing cup shaped member 44 with an
alternate, appropriately sized cup shaped member. As is readily
apparent from a study of FIGS. 11 and 12, by changing the size of
the cup shaped member that holds the first end, or barrel of the
bat, the speed of rotation of the bat about its longitudinal axis
is automatically adjusted. More particularly, where the motor 54
rotates shaft 52a at a constant speed, the larger the cup that
supports the barrel of the bat, the slower will be the speed of
rotations of the bat about axis 59. The effect of this change of
rotational speed will later be discussed.
[0049] Considering now in greater detail the second gripping means
of the invention this means here comprises a generally cup shaped
member 60 that includes an article gripping portion 60a and an
outwardly extending shaft portion 60b (FIG. 9). Shaft portion 60b
is mounted for rotation within a bearing 62 that is carried by a
holding block 64. Holding block 64 is, in turn, slidably received
within the generally yoke shaped portion 43 of upstanding arm 42a
of support arm assembly 42 (FIG. 8). Holding block 64, which forms
the part of the height adjustment means of the invention for
raising or lowering the height of cup 60 relative to the plane of
travel of the ink jet cartridges, is held securely in position
within yoke portion 43 by a threaded set screw 68 having a finger
gripping head portion 68a at a selected height so as to maintain
the longitudinal axis of the bat parallel with the path of travel
of the ink jet cartridges. In this regard, it is also possible to
adjust the height of cup 44 of the first gripping means, if so
required, by raising or lowering a support plate 65 by a second
height adjustment means. This second height adjustment means here
comprises, in addition to support plate 65 an adjusting screw 67
that acts on plate 65 in the manner depicted in FIGS. 11 and
12.
[0050] In using the apparatus of the invention to accomplish one
form of the method of the invention, shaft 58 of an appropriately
sized cup assembly 44 is first mounted within bearing 56. This
done, the longitudinal position of the second gripping means of the
invention is adjusted using the length adjustment means of the
invention to position cup 60 of the second gripping means at the
correct spaced-apart location to accept the bat to be imprinted. In
this regard, is to be noted that the length adjustment means
includes biasing means, shown here in the form of a coil spring 70
(FIG. 6). Spring circumscribes an elongated rod 72, one end of
which is connected to carriage 40, and in this way functions to
urge the second gripping means, including cup 60, toward the first
gripping means, or to the right as viewed in FIG. 6. As shown in
FIG. 6, rod 72 is mounted within an adjustment block 74 that can be
selectively positioned along guide 36 by loosening a setscrew 76 to
roughly position cup 60 at a location approximately the length of
the bat "B".
[0051] In using the apparatus of the invention, the length of the
bat to be imprinted, as well as the diameter of the barrel portion
C of the bat is first determined. This done an appropriately sized
holding cup, such as cup 44, is inserted into bearing 56 in the
manner shown in FIG. 12. In order to insert the holding cup 44 into
bearing 56, idler wheel 46 must be urged to the right as viewed in
FIG. 11 against the urging of spring 56. When the cup is correctly
positioned within bearing 56 and the pressure exerted against idler
wheel 46 is relaxed, spring 56 will urge the idler wheel into
driving engagement with the peripheral surface 44a of the holding
cup. As previously mentioned, the larger the holding cup the slower
will be the rotation of the bat. Conversely, the smaller the
holding cup the faster will be the rotation of the bat.
[0052] After the correct cup assembly 44 is in place, carriage 40
of the positioning means is moved along guide 36 to a location
wherein the extremity of the handle of the bat can be inserted into
holding cup 60 (FIG. 3). At this same time, if so required, block
64 can be moved upwardly or downwardly by loosening set screw 68 in
order to insure that the longitudinal axis of the bat is precisely
parallel to the longitudinal path of travel of the ink jet heads.
It is to be noted that with the bat secured within the positioning
means in the manner shown in FIG. 3 and 3A, the biasing means or
spring 70 of the length adjustment means will continuously urge cup
60 into pressural engagement with the extremity of the handle
portion of the bat so that cups 44 and 60 are in secure frictional
engagement with the ends of the bat.
[0053] Following the correct positioning of the bat "B" within the
positioning means, energization of motor 54 will cause rotation of
shaft 52a and screw 52 which will, in turn, cause rotation of drive
wheel 48 at a constant speed of rotation. As previously described
herein, rotation of drive wheel 48 will, cause rotation of idler
wheel 46 and the concomitant rotation of holding cup 44. Rotation
of holding cup 44, which is in frictional engagement with the bat,
will cause the bat to rotate about axis 59 at uniform rate that is
governed by the diameter of the barrel portion of the bat. In this
regard, when the image to be printed is, by way of nonlimiting
example, a depiction of a human figure, such as a baseball player
of the character shown in FIG. 13, the image is either scanned or
originally computer generated using specialized software of a
character well known to those skilled in the art. Because of the
tapered configuration of the bat, it is obvious that the image as
shown in FIG. 13, which is bounded by a rectangle "R" could not be
imprinted on the bat because the image does not conform to the
surface to be imprinted. This is due to the fact that, if the
surface of the bat that is to be printed is projected into a planar
configuration, the configuration would obviously be non-rectangular
in shape. Therefore it is necessary to produce a distorted image
that is of the character generally depicted in FIG. 14. As
indicated in FIG. 14, the distorted image, which now generally
conforms to the planar projection of the surface to be imprinted,
is bounded by a trapazoid with the lower portion of the image being
substantially narrowed so as to conform to the tapering of the bat.
When this distorted image is printed by the printer in accordance
with appropriate instructions given by to the control circuitry of
the printer by host computer 20, the image will be neatly wrapped
around the barrel as well as the tapered and handle portions of the
bat to produce a desired nonoverlapping result. Image distortion of
the general character shown in FIG. 14 can be easily accomplished
by those skilled in the art using several types of readily
commercially available morphing type software, to create a file
that is readable by the control circuitry of the modified
microprocessor based printer being used. Experience has shown that
by way of non-limiting example, photo editing software such as that
sold under the name and style "COREL" and "ADOBE PHOTO SHOP" can be
used to appropriately distort the image to be imprinted.
[0054] The nature and extent of the distortion of the image to be
imprinted is, of course, dependent on the configuration of the
article to be imprinted. When the article has the configuration of
a baseball bat, the bat must first be dimensionally analyzed to
determine the character of the surface of the bat that is to be
imprinted. Such an analysis can readily be accomplished by those
skilled in the art and typically involves a determination of the
diameter of the barrel portion of the bat and the degree of
reduction in diameter or extent of taper of the tapered and handle
portion upon which the image is to appear. Such a dimensional
analysis of a baseball bat is relatively simple and need not be
particularly precise so long as the surface to be imprinted can be
projected into a planar configuration of the general character that
is depicted in FIG. 14. Once the distorted image is created and
appropriately loaded into the printer and the bat is rotated in the
manner previously described, the ink cartridges will move through
the print zone in a conventional manner and will appropriately
deposit ink onto the surface of the bat to create the desired
appropriately distorted image. More particularly, as the bat
rotates, the control circuitry of the printer responding to the
instructions received from the preprogrammed host computer 20 will
direct the ink jet heads to controllably deposit ink onto the
surface of the bat in accordance with the predetermined software
that has been developed to produce the desired image on the
baseball bat.
[0055] Having now described the invention in detail in accordance
with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this
art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in
the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet
specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention, as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *